- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria U-17 female football team, the Flamingos, cruised past South Africa’s Bantwana in 3-1 away victory to earna strong advantage in the qualification series for this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals.
In the match, held at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, Shakirat Moshood scored in the 20th minute to give Nigeria the lead.
The Flamingos who won the bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held their host hostage with their dominant display.
Harmony Chidi, who scored 13 goals in last year’s qualifying series, converted a penalty from six yards, doubling Nigeria’s lead in the first half.
However, South Africa responded after the break, with Malebana scoring from the penalty spot in the 47th minute to reduce the deficit.
Harmony Chidi would again double Nigeria’s lead as her 68th minute brace saw the Flamingos sealed a 3-1 win.
Both teams will meet again on March 15 at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo for the return leg. The winner will progress to the final round of the qualification series.
The four victorious teams in the final round will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, joining hosts Morocco.
The tournament will run from the 17th of October to the 5th of November.